Surrey school to dress up as superheroes in memory of little boy 'Billy The Brave'

A Surrey family are dressing up as superheroes in memory of a little boy who died of a brain tumour in March, 2024.

Billy 'The Brave' Thompson, died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, before his fifth birthday. The Thompson family from Bookham, parents Jamie and Ellie, and big sister Maddie felt their world shatter after Billy sadly died on March 31, Easter Sunday.

Diagnosed with a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in November 2023, it was a race against time to raise funds for end-of-life care for Billy and memory making for the family. The type of tumour Billy was diagnosed with is fatal for children, mainly affecting those under 10.

Around 13 rounds of radiotherapy were given to Billy, and he was also given chemotherapy. Aside from this there is no other front-line cure for DIPG, which kills up to 40 children per year in the UK alone.

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To remember Billy's valiant battle against DIPG, the Polseden Lacey School and his family have organised a superhero-themed stroll. The still will raise money to go towards Abbie's Army, which is a charity that raises funds to find a DIPG cure.

The trip will take just over 30 minutes in total, with everyone dressed up in superhero costumes. Billy loved playing dress up and would wear his super hero costumes to hospital trips to empower himself to feel brave.

Despite being in reception for only a few months, Billy's school fundraiser has raised £7,581 for Abbie's Army, smashing the target of £500. Parents and friends wished the children and Thompson family luck for their walk, one wrote: "Well done Joshua and all the polesden superhero’s. We know you will rise to the challenge with your special friend Billy the Brave in your hearts!"

Another said: "A wonderful thing to do in memory of your precious boy x."

To donate to the sponsored walk, visit the Just Giving page here .